It took me about a year after I decided I wanted a dog, to be at a point where I was ready to get one. Once there, I looked thru Petfinder.com for weeks before finding Lucy. She was only 3 months old and living at a VERY small shelter outside Austin. She had some problems when I first brought her home (ear mites, etc.). After a few months of regular visits to the vet, and some basic obedience classes, she’s a healthy, happy, pretty well-adjusted goofball of a puppy. I’m totally smitten – she fits me to a tee. There are plenty of GOOD dogs at the shelter, but be careful – take your time, do your homework. Be sure you’re ready, it’s a totally life-altering decision. :)